Ticket prices jump up to 30% as jet fuel spikes and overseas Pakistanis return home for celebrations
Serene Air plane at Karachi Airport on August 18, 2021. Photo: Serene Air
KARACHI:
Air fares for both domestic and international travel rose sharply in the wake of Eidul Fitr, driven by increased seasonal demand and higher fuel costs.
According to aviation sources, ticket prices increased significantly on Chand Raat and during the Eid period, with domestic fares rising by 15% to 20% compared with usual rates a day before Eid. In some cases, passengers purchased tickets that were up to 30% more expensive.
Sources attributed the increase to the Eid travel rush as well as a recent rise in jet fuel prices.
Jet fuel prices have emerged as a major challenge, pushing up operating costs, with European prices doubling and Asian prices up almost 80% since the start of US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.
Read: International departures from Pakistan tumble by half
Fuel is the industry’s second-largest expense after labour, typically accounting for a fifth to a quarter of operating costs.
Despite the surge in fares, domestic air travel saw a slight decline, while inbound international travel increased, with more Pakistanis returning from abroad to celebrate Eid with their families.
Meanwhile, foreign airlines also increased flights on Middle East routes, particularly to facilitate the return of Pakistani nationals stranded in Gulf countries ahead of Eid.
